Three separate breaking and entering cases have been reported since August 12, with arrests made in connection to each incident, according to Boston Police reports.

Worcester Street Burglary Leads to Arrest

The most recent arrest occurred Monday afternoon when a male suspect, of West Roxbury, was apprehended by bicycle patrol officers near 794 Massachusetts Avenue at approximately 1:57 PM on August 18. The suspect was wanted on an active warrant stemming from a break-in that occurred nearly a week earlier.

According to police, the original incident took place at 87 Worcester Street on Tuesday, August 12, around 5:00 AM. The suspect gained entry to the victims' apartment through a roof deck door while the residents were sleeping inside. Various electronic items and prescription medications were stolen during the burglary.

The suspect faces charges of Breaking and Entering a Building, Nighttime for Felony, and Larceny from a Building. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

Pembroke Street Home Invasion

In a separate incident, a male suspect, 43, of Boston, was arrested on August 13 after allegedly making himself at home in a Pembroke Street residence for potentially weeks.

The homeowner discovered the intruder around 7:11 AM while eating breakfast with his two young children, ages 4 and 6.

Police investigation revealed that the suspect had obtained a key from an exterior lockbox intended for construction crews. When arrested, he was also found to have outstanding warrants for assault and battery on a household member and an abuse prevention order violation.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering during the daytime with intent to commit a felony.

Cathedral Vandalism Sparks Hate Crime Investigation Call

The neighborhood also dealt with an act of vandalism at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Washington Street. Between the evening of August 13 and morning of August 14, an unknown suspect defaced a statue of the Virgin Mary with pink chalk, writing what police described as "illegible religious ramblings."

City Councilor Ed Flynn, who represents the South End, has called for the incident to be investigated as a hate crime, though Boston Police have not yet classified it as such. The statue has since been cleaned by Cathedral staff.

Community Response and Safety Measures

District D-4, which covers the South End, has increased bicycle patrols in response to the recent incidents.

Residents are advised to:

Secure all entry points, including roof access

Remove or secure exterior lockboxes when not actively needed

Report suspicious activity immediately

Consider additional security measures for ground-floor and accessible units

Anyone with information about these or related incidents is encouraged to contact District D-4 at (617) 343-4457 or the anonymous tip line.